Mason

Rudolph

Howard is set to compete with veteran Mason Rudolph for backup duties to begin the season. Rudolph and Howard were splitting reps in the team’s offseason program last month. NFL Network reported in January that Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy “likes Will Howard a lot” and sees potential in his offensive system. “I’m not saying the Steelers believe Will Howard will be the quarterback for ten years after Aaron Rodgers is gone,” Breer said. “But I do think Mike McCarthy sees a little something there and wanted to take a closer look.” Howard, going into his age-25 season, threw for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions during his final collegiate season at Ohio State in 2024. He ranked fourth among all CFB quarterbacks in adjusted yards per attempt that season.

Aaron Rodgers’ return has left the Steelers with a four-quarterback room of Rodgers, Rudolph, 2025 sixth-rounder Will Howard, and 2026 third-rounder Drew Allar. Presumably the Steelers wouldn’t want to move on from Howard or Allar on their rookie contracts, which naturally leads to the idea of Rudolph’s roster spot being in jeopardy despite him likely being the backup with the highest floor. These things sometimes just work themselves out via injury, but if everyone makes it to the end of the preseason healthy, the Steelers will probably have to move on from someone rather than carrying four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster.

Howard and Rudolph have split reps so far in Pittsburgh’s offseason program. With Aaron Rodger still on radio silence, the Steelers are making do with their current quarterback room. Howard is a sixth-round pick from last year while Rudolph is a veteran backup who has started for the Steelers before. They are splitting reps, indicating Howard is getting developmental opportunities while the Steelers are keeping Rudolph ready with the offense in case the veteran needs to step in. Of course, all this could be moot if Rodgers returns, but for now Howard and Rudolph are getting equal starting opportunities early in the offseason program.

Rodgers started the practice week as a DNP. We’ll see if his status changes at all come Thursday, but this isn’t the first time we’ve heard the Steelers expect Rodgers back for Week 13. His status remains one to watch until the team releases its final injury report on Friday, but Rodgers appears to be trending in the right direction by all accounts, despite Wednesday’s DNP.

Rudolph didn’t exactly play well against one of the league’s worst defenses — one playing severely short-handed due to injury — but his interception was more of a spectacular play by Nahshon Wright than awful throw by the quarterback. Obviously tasked with keeping the ball underneath and avoiding turnovers, Rudolph had just one completion longer than 20 yards, and it went for 21 in the first quarter. The formula almost worked as the Steelers generated 186 yards on the ground, but this was a game where the other quarterback, Caleb Williams, simply made more plays in a tight contest. Aaron Rodgers’ (wrist) health is predictably proving difficult to parse — he made it seem like he was almost ready to start, only to not even be active as the emergency No. 3 quarterback — but it seems more likely than not Rodgers is back for Week 13 against the Bills, returning Rudolph to the bench.

Aaron Rodgers is expected to miss today’s game with a wrist injury. Rudolph played well in relief of Rodgers last week, throwing for 127 yards and a touchdown versus the lowly Bengals. Expect plenty of running and check-downs for the Steelers this week. Rudolph is worth a look in deep Superflex formats, but he is still a weak option for fantasy managers in need of a second quarterback.

Rodgers is dealing with a fracture in his left wrist. As Schefter notes, Pittsburgh’s doctors have been more cautious in regards to the injury. Rodgers suffered the injury in Week 11 versus the Bengals. He managed a light week of practice before being listed as questionable for today’s game. Per Schefter, “If the decision is left to Rodgers, he will play.” Mason Rudolph will draw the start if Rodgers is ruled out.

“We’ll see where the weekend leads us,” Tomlin continued. Rodgers was limited on Thursday and Friday practices and was seen with a brace and wrap on his left wrist. It does seem to be trending towards Rodgers playing, but the chance of re-injury is a factor to consider before firing him up as a superflex QB2 in a good matchup. Mason Rudolph would start if Rodgers cannot go.

Rodgers was held out of practice on Wednesday but should be back on the field today. As Rapoport notes, the issue is largely a matter of Rodgers’ ability to protect himself. The injury is to his left (non-throwing) wrist. The Steelers will get a better feel for that during today’s practice. Pittsburgh takes on Rodgers’ old rival, Chicago, this week. That matchup undoubtedly means a little more to the grizzled veteran, and we would bet he is pushing to play through the wrist injury for Week 12. Assuming he does suit up, Rodgers will remain a mid-range QB2 versus Chicago. Mason Rudolph would draw the start if Rodgers can’t go.

Rodgers, after breaking his wrist in Week 11 against the Bengals, is “pushing to play” this week against the Bears, per Pelissero. He will need to approval of team doctors before he gets the green light for Week 12. If Rodgers can’t suit up, Mason Rudolph would get the start against Chicago. Last week against the Bengals, Rudolph completed 12-of-16 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. Steelers pass catchers would not see a downgrade if Rudolph gets the nod. He should be rostered in most superflex leagues.